Overview
- The Attorney General announced charges against three Jessup Correctional staff members and seven incarcerated people tied to separate smuggling operations.
- Sgt. Awungjia Rita Atabong is accused of running a drug pipeline; a July 14 search of her home recovered 7,911 MDMA pills, 200 fentanyl‑meth pills, 733 buprenorphine strips, cannabis, synthetic cannabis, tobacco, phones and charging cords.
- Educator Lakesha Murry allegedly used a prohibited cellphone to take requests and deliver drugs and food to students in exchange for money and luxury items, with security footage showing her kissing an incarcerated student.
- Officer Kathryn Hawes is accused of an inappropriate relationship with inmate Artemis Booker and smuggling items including a watch; officials say she was found hiding additional contraband during her arrest.
- DPSCS says detectives executed arrests and any charged employee will be suspended during the disciplinary process, with several defendants released on their own recognizance as cases proceed.